UCAT QR calculator tips and keyboard practice
Decide the calculation before you type a number. The on-screen calculator is basic and is available in QR and DM.
Ash allotments
The bar chart shows water used (litres) for each site.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity (litres) | 250 |
| Water price per 1,000 litres (£) | 3.2 |
One cubic metre contains 1,000 litres.
How many full tanks would be needed to supply the water used in D?
The worked answer
How many full tanks would be needed to supply the water used in D?
Answer: A: 4
- D needs 800 litres; each tank holds 250 litres.
- 800 ÷ 250 = 3.2; round up to 4 tanks.
- Select 4.
Ready for the whole test? Sit the full free UCAT mock: 184 questions, marked by subtest.
The controls
- Turn Num Lock on to type numbers.
- Clicking outside the calculator loses focus. Click back inside.
- Alt + N moves to the next question.
- Practise in the official Tour Tutorial, not on your phone.
Set up the sum first
Worked example Compare delivery costs
A clinic orders 18 boxes at £14.80 each. A supplier gives 12% off the goods, then adds £9 delivery. What is the total? Options: £234.43, £242.35, £243.43, £275.40, £299.45.
Why this works: 18 × 14.80 = £266.40. Discounted: 266.40 × 0.88 = £234.432. Add £9: £243.43.
Why the tempting route fails: Discounting the delivery too gives £242.35. The discount applies only to the goods.
Name the error
- Wrong operation: write the relationship before typing.
- Wrong entry: check the display after the first number.
- Rounding: keep the full value until the end.
Drill the keys against the clock: the free UCAT calculator trainer
Every control: UCAT keyboard shortcuts
Working on paper: the UCAT laminated notebook